Ecuador
The Best of Galapagos Adventure (7-Days)
Discover the enchanted Galapagos Islands through this island-hopping tour! Witness a unique abundance of wildlife in a setting unlike any other on the planet. Be part of an educational and socially responsible journey of a lifetime in one of the most fiercely protected marine wilderness's in the world!
Itinerary
Welcome to Quito - America's largest and best-preserved colonial city - declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978. The city is considered the Cultural Capital of South America and is located on the equator in a valley at the foothills of the Pichincha volcano.
Depending on your arrival time, spend your day exploring the old town of Quito and the surrounding area. Your local Host can help you organize a day tour.
In the evening, your trip leader will meet you at the hotel’s lobby at 6:00 PM for a welcome briefing. We'll discuss the details and questions you may have regarding the adventure.
ACCOMMODATION: Sheraton Quito Hotel / MEALS: none
Today we get ready to explore the most amazing archipelago in the Pacific coast where Charles Darwin based his theory on the evolution of species.
We board a morning flight from Quito to the island of Baltra. Once we arrive, we head to the town of Puerto Ayora, the largest town in the Galapagos. From here we will take a quick boat to the largest island in the archipelago, where most of the volcanic activity in the Galapagos is reported.
The island was formed by six shield volcanoes: Alcedo, Cerra Azul, Darwin, Ecuador, Sierra Negra, and Wolf. Five of them are still active which makes the island one of the most volcanically active places on earth.
Galapagos Islands are located 600mi (965.6 km) from the coast of Ecuador. It's important to understand that you will have to take air, road, and sea transportation to get there.
ACCOMMODATION: Albemarle or similar / MEALS: Breakfast
Explore the amazing formations of lava created by the last eruptions of the volcanic island along the seashore. This magical place has historically been filmed by BBC and National Geographic for their documentaries. It is a labyrinth of lava arches comprised of crystal-clear water full of sea turtles, eagle rays, sea lions, sharks, and more.
The turtles navigate their own highway from the mangroves to the open sea through “Los Tuneles”. Here, we will have the best snorkeling opportunity with all these beautiful animals, including the curious Galapagos penguins playing around.
In the afternoon, we return to Puerto Villamil to go kayaking in Tintoreras to observe sea lions, penguins, turtles, and marine iguanas. This will be the best snorkeling opportunity with all these beautiful animals, including the curious Galapagos penguin playing around.
Before or after the trip, you can enjoy some optional activities such as biking or just relax on the exotic white-sand beaches of Isabela Island. We recommend taking some time to visit the giant tortoise breeding center located within walking distance from the hotel.
ACCOMMODATION: Albemarle or similar / MEALS: Breakfast & lunch
After breakfast, at around 8:00 AM, we depart to Sierra Negra Volcano. You will drive to the highlands of Isabela where you would normally start hiking. The volcano, with its height of around 4,920ft (1,500M), and outer diameter of approximately 5.6mi (9km), is the second biggest lava dome in the world.
We lunch at a local restaurant in the highlands on a beautiful organic farm. The owners prepare their food with vegetables and fruits grown locally at the farm. Prepared on a lava rock grill, enjoy a delicious meal.
After lunch, take a walk among the fruit trails. Or simply take a nap in one of the hammocks and breathe the clean air below a big Mango tree.
We then make our way back to the pier, arriving at 2.30 PM. After a short briefing, we start kayaking in the bay where we can enjoy the local wildlife. Observe penguins, blue-footed boobies, pelicans, iguanas Marinas, sea turtles, sea lions, eagle rays, and sometimes Sharks “Tintoreras” juveniles.
To finish this day, at 4:30 PM, we have a short visit to Concha & Perla, a small beach in Puerto Villamil where we snorkel. A short beautiful walk through the mangroves on a boardwalk will lead you to the spot with turquoise waters and wildlife galore! You can expect to see plenty of other tourists alongside colorful fish, sea lions, sea turtles, pelicans, mockingbirds, and maybe even marine iguanas!
ACCOMMODATION: Albemarle or similar / MEALS: Breakfast & lunch
In the morning, traverse from Isabela to Santa Cruz Island to visit the Charles Darwin Research Station.
Once we arrive, we check in at the hotel. Then, we visit the Charles Darwin Research Station to learn more about many of the endemic species seen in the wild, as well as the ongoing conservation and management efforts on the Galapagos Islands.
In the afternoon, we will head to the ‘Primicias’ reserve in the highlands of Santa Cruz, home to the famous Galapagos tortoises. Hiking through Primicias’ beautiful landscape with these lumbering giants is an unforgettable experience!
We will also see other highland wildlife, such as pintail ducks, egrets, flycatchers, finches, and frigatebirds, which gather to wash the salt off their feathers at a freshwater lake.
Afterward, return to Puerto Ayora to spend the evening in Galapagos’ most populous town.
ACCOMMODATION: La Isla or similar / MEALS: Breakfast
After our final breakfast on the Galapagos Islands and taking the last photos of sea lions, we have a transfer to Baltra’s airport in time to catch the flight back to the mainland.
ACCOMMODATION: Sheraton Quito Hotel / MEALS: Breakfast
Today our trip ends. Take your memories and photos with you, and leave a piece of your heart, as you will want to return to Ecuador soon to experience more of this enchanted land. We wish you a "buen viaje"!
MEALS: Breakfast
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All trips are guaranteed to runWhat's Included
Included
- Comfortable land & sea transportation; speed boat Santa Cruz – Isabela – Santa Cruz.
- Accommodation based On double occupancy: 5* hotel in Quito, 3+ star hotels in Galapagos.
- Activities as outlined in the itinerary.
- Gear: Snorkeling mask, fins, life vest.
- Trip Leader: Certified AJ expert English-speaking adventure leader & local guides.
- Meals as outlined in the itinerary
Not Included
- Single room supplement: US$690.
- Airfare Quito – Galapagos – Quito round trip (approx. US$535).
- International flights.
- Airport transfer (international flights).
- Travel insurance (suggested).
- Meals not described in the itinerary (approx. US$180).
- INGALA transit card: US$20/person, cash only (subject to change).
- Galapagos National Park fee: US$100/person, cash only (subject to change).
- US$10 pier-use fee at Puerto Villamil.
- Wetsuit for rent: US$10.
- Tips for guides & drivers (approx. US$120).
Have a question?
If you have any questions about this trip or want to speak with an expert, get in touch.
We're ready to help.
FAQs
Before you go
Level of difficulty: Moderate to Challenging the hiking in Sierra Negra is moderate but long and muddy during the wet season (from July to November); snorkeling is easy.
Foreigners may enter Ecuador upon presentation of a travel document proving their identity. Likewise, the immigration control agent must verify the immigration status invoked by the foreigner at the time of presentation at the official immigration control point. Requirements: -Valid and valid passport (valid for 6 months). -Identity card or DNI for citizens of South America. -Countries that require a visa to enter Ecuador. Interministerial Agreement No. 0000003 - Afghanistan - Angola - Bangladesh - Cameroon - Cuba - Eritrea - Ethiopia - Gambia - Ghana - Guinea - India - Iraq - Kenya - Libyan Arab Jamahiriya - Nepal - Nigeria - Pakistan - Democratic Republic of the Congo - Democratic People's Republic of Korea - Senegal - Syria - Somalia - Sri Lanka - Venezuela (as of August 26, 2019)
-IMPORTANT Passports (and visas) Travel insurance documents Airline tickets Credit or debit card -CLOTHES & IMPLEMENTS Waterproof jacket Light sweater or sweatshirt Sport sandals Sneakers Comfy shoes Lightweight trousers/shorts/skirts T-shirts Underwear & socks Swimming suit wide-brimmed or long-billed hat Cap -OTHER Universal travel plug adapter Power bank or solar charger Earplugs Insect repellent Suncream Personal first-aid kit (should contain sea sickness pills, lip salve, aspirin, band aids, antihistamine, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, extra prescription drugs you may be taking) Quick-dry towel Alcohol hand-gel Head Torch or torch Reusable water bottle (x1 liter) Biodegradable wet-wipes Camera – waterproof if possible Energy bars and snacks
Meeting point Sheraton Quito Hotel No. 36 - 212 y, Av. República de El Salvador, Quito 170135, Ecuador Meet at the Hotel Lobby with an Adventure Journeys Representative at 18:00pm on day one, for your welcome briefing. Start time 08:00 AM End point This activity ends back at the meeting point.
Currency used in Ecuador is the U.S. dollar (USD). It is advisable to bring cash, as the trip is to remote places such as the Amazon and the Galapagos Islands, you will not easily find ATM machines.
Recommended age range from 10 to 65 years old. Note: Under age children must be accompanied by their parents.
On your trip
There is no place where clients can experience vertigo or steep drops.
Do I bring all my belongings During your daily activities you should bring a carry-on bag or a kangaroo for your personal and necessary belongings. Your suitcases will be placed in the luggage compartment of the transport.
Traveling with Adventure Journeys you will have the possibility to experience and taste local food and snacks. Your guide will help you identify typical food and suggest the best places to enjoy it. Some meals are not included in order to give you some flexibility about where, what and with whom to eat. You have the option to share these meals with the group, however there is no obligation to do this. If you have any allergies or food restrictions, please inform AJ prior to your departure.
December to May: 80ºF to 90ºF / 25ºC to 30ºC. June to September: 60ºF to 70ºF / 15ºC to 20ºC. October to December: 70ºF to 80ºF/ 15ºC to 25ºC.
Vegetarians, Vegans and Gluten Free people are very welcome in our trip, our guides are always ready to coordinate with chefs and restaurants for substitute meals for them, as Ecuador is very well known for its great diversity of gastronomy.
All prices are based on double-occupancy. If you are traveling solo, you will be matched with another participant of your same sex. If you prefer to have a single room, please contact AJ prior to your departure to arrange your accommodation at an extra cost.
KAYAKING TIME: 1-2 hours. SNORKELING TIME Tintoreras: 1 hour. Lava Tunnels: 2 times of 1 hour each. HIKING TIME Short Hikes. Sierra Negra: 30 minutes easy uphill; 1 and a half hours on flat terrain; 30 minutes downhill; 2 hours same way back.
The waters of the Galapagos Islands are a unique mixture of warm and cold water, ranging between 65ºF and 85ºF.
Other FAQs
From sea level to 600m (1900ft).
Check our best recommendations to explore Quito and its surroundings. RECOMMENDED TRIPS FOR YOU (PRICE PER PERSON) - Quito City Tour Experience US$90 - Quilotoa Enchanted Crater Lake US$165 - Mindo Cloud Forrest US$165 - Otavalo Market US$113 - Papallacta Hotsprings US$165 Transfer in / out (per way): 1-2 people max US$75
Clients have the possibility of leaving their extra suitcases at the first hotel in the city of Quito with no additional cost.
Clients receive interpretation and education about the ecology and conservation of the Andes, Amazon rain forest and Galapagos Islands, and learn about the factors that threaten it. We aim to promote long-term conservation of both local people cultural identity and the environment. We transport out and recycle all non-organic garbage and we prefer to work with local suppliers. Your visit will encourage the local communities to support responsible eco-tourism as a sustainable alternative for their living.
Please inform AJ of any existing medical conditions (i.e. pregnancy, diabetes, etc). Yellow fever, Hepatitis B vaccination and Malaria Medication are recommended when traveling to the tropics. Please ask your doctor for advice.
All AJ guides and trip leaders are highly experienced, licensed from the Tourism University to operate in Ecuador and certified as Wilderness Adventure First Aid respondents. They all have approved several extra training courses for kayaking, rafting, biking and horse riding, besides this they all are Ecuadorian and have a fantastic personality. We always carry a complete first aid kit in our trips. In some locations and for some activities, local guides join the trip leaders to provide an added service and make sure we practice sustainable tourism involving local indigenous people in our operation.
Your head guide is Paola
All trips on Skyhook are run by small, hand-picked local guiding companies. For this trip your guides run Adventure Journeys, based in Quito.
By booking through Skyhook you'll be joining a small-group trip. This can make it nice and sociable (you'll be added to a group chat after booking), and guarantees great value for money!
